In reply to Elberry: I don't know Steiner's work, but that didn't stop me reading this one from beginning to end, and heartily enjoying every chapter. Unlike for Elberry the sex and dog chapters were not my favourites, although I enjoyed them. I most appreciated his chapters on living with being second rate, and on the state of education world-wide. Being British, I found the comparisons of British education with that in France and the USA enlightening. He is spot on in deriding the specialisation that is forced upon bright British kids at too young an age. Having been forced down the science path, I really need humanists like Steiner to give me some balance!
Djmottershead is right in suggesting that Steiner packs in much erudition and 'book dropping'. But I did not 'laugh at' Steiner for this, but 'with him'. It's a joyful erudition! And he can also be moving and very informative. Steiner does point out his own abilities and interests. Any why not? Also, I'm not a 'fellow academic' and I felt he was talking to me and any other reasonably well-read person. I can't see how Djmottershead can say he doesn't communicate feelings effectively! Just read the dog chapter! Almost too much feeling there. There's nothing 'pseudo' about this intellectual. He's the real deal, if anyone is.
The review by 'Concerned' is totally misplaced. There is nothing in the book that insults Jamaicans or any other race, and his comments (in the book) are anti-racist. For example: "Racism ... is inadmissible rubbish. Moreover, insist modern biology and genetics, the mere concept of racial purity or impurity is nothing but dangerous nonsense." (p.92)
But the Telegraph article was interesting! In his defence, he doesn't say that all Jamaicans have six children and play loud music. He suggests that *if* a Jamaican family moved next door and *if* it had six children *and* played loud music *then* latent racism might be brought out. Steiner's comment makes it more likely that one will see the latent racism in oneself and (hopefully) try and defuse it. Anyway, a Telegraph article is too short to reveal Steiner's rounded views, probably why he refused to comment further. Read his book to really grasp what Steiner thinks about racism, and to see that he is not at all cranky!